...does the input_cache parameter need to be in a specific place in mpd.conf, or is something else going on?

thanks,

rikm

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version info from Fedora30 rpm
mpd-0.21.11-1.fc30.x86_64

Music Player Daemon 0.21.11 (0.21.11)
Copyright 2003-2007 Warren Dukes <warren.dukes@gmail.com>
Copyright 2008-2018 Max Kellermann <max.kellermann@gmail.com>
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is NO
warranty; not even MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.